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When we supported House Bill 96, we did so because it was straightforward, respectful of the Constitution, and necessary. The bill sets clear standards: government entities may fly the United States flag, state flags, military flags, tribal flags, POW/MIA flags, and the official flags of Idaho schools and colleges. That’s it.

No ideology. No politics. No personal agendas.

But apparently, even that’s too much for some to handle.

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean made it clear this week that she will continue to fly the pride flag over City Hall, in direct defiance of state law. Her quote says it all: “...we’re going to keep doing what we’ve done for a decade.”

This isn’t civil disagreement. This is blatant disregard for the law.

McLean’s behavior isn’t surprising. Today’s Democrat Party doesn’t believe laws apply to them. When they don’t like something, they ignore it. That’s what they’ve done in cities across the country, and now they’re doing it here in Idaho.

But let’s be honest: they’re only able to get away with it because too many squishy Republicans refuse to take a stand.

Everyone knew this bill would never pass with enforcement provisions, not because it wasn’t needed, but because weak Republicans wouldn’t fight for it. That’s the reality.

Mayor McLean deserves criticism for thumbing her nose at the law, but so do the soft Republicans who made it easy for her to do so without consequence.

This is where we are in Idaho:

• Democrats are emboldened in their lawlessness.

• Moderate Republicans are complicit in their silence.

• And the people of Idaho are left wondering if the law means anything anymore.

This is bigger than one mayor or one flag. Boise is dragging Idaho down the same path as other hyper-liberal states, where the law is optional, virtue signaling replaces leadership, and social agendas distract from the real needs of citizens. If we don't draw the line here, that kind of dysfunction won’t stay in Boise. It will spread. Slowly, then all at once.

Let us be clear: we stand by H96. We are grateful to the bill’s sponsor and to those who voted for it. However, laws like this only work when public officials respect them. Elected officials shouldn’t need a penalty clause to do what’s right. However, if they insist on willfully disregarding the law to make a political point, we will be ready next session to strengthen the statute and ensure accountability.

The Gang of 8 will continue to stand up for the rule of law, for the Constitution, and for the people of Idaho.

In Liberty,

Senator Christy Zito, District 8
CZito@senate.idaho.gov

Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld, District 24
GZuiderveld@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @glenneda

Senator Josh Kohl, District 25
JKohl@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @joshkohl4idaho

Representative Faye Thompson, District 8
FThompson@house.idaho.gov

Representative Lucas Cayler, District 11
LCayler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @lucascayler

Representative Kent Marmon, District 11
KMarmon@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @kentmarmon

Representative Clint Hostetler, District 24
CHostetler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @theidahoresolve

Representative David Leavitt, District 25
DLeavitt@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @Leavitt4Idaho

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